55 Gold Birds and Black Tears (1/2)

Isilla frowned as the maid pulled the strings on her dress, fitting it tighter to her form before tying it and stepping back, smoothing the wide skirts. The gold birds, stitched into the soft, cream colored fabric by hand caught the lamplight making it seem as if the were flying under some strange sun.

”If this was the Light Realm,” Haribit started as she brushed her hand over the dress, the birds rising form the fabric to flutter like butterflies around the room. The maids gasped in delight at the small trick before Haribit dismissed it. ”I'm not strong enough to maintain that all night,” she sighed as she put the last touches on Isilla's hair.

The night of the ball had arrived, the previous days passing without incident, which Isilla was glad of as her body needed the rest. Although she felt better, her cough gone, she could still feel a sort of tiredness in her from the illness, one that would only heal with more rest. The heaviness of the dress was not helping. It also had no pockets or any other way to carry her book. She would, as long as the ball lasted, be unable to communicate freely, which bothered her but was not worth getting too upset about. After all, she thought, no one there really cares to know what I think anyway.

Haribit dismissed the other maids before she turned to finish dressing Isilla.

She looked at her face in the mirror. Haribit had added lip color and blush, the light makeup enhancing her beauty rather than covering it as her past maids had. Her face and bare shoulders had a golden quality about them, her red hair tamed and twisted into a style that tumbled over one shoulder. She smiled at her reflection.

You've made me look so lovely, she wrote.

”Stop, you are lovely,” Haribit giggled back. ”Now come on, your husband is waiting.”

She nodded and stood, stepping into her shoes. Ilun climbed from the bed and stretched, following her out of the room.

Arren stood as they entered, a smile on his face. His formal jacket, a deep, plum color, nearly black with silver buttons made him seem regal and mysterious. Next to him stood Julen, the boy holding a solemn expression as he bowed, low and formal.

”You look very lovely tonight, Princess Isilla,” Julen said, his voice very serious.

Isilla smiled and crossed the room, bent, kissing him on the cheek. ”Thank you,” she said slowly so he could read her lips.

He blushed and looked down as she stood, meeting her husband's gaze.

He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, ”Your maid has played a cruel trick on me, putting color on your lips to keep me from kissing you.”

She frowned and touched her face.

”Don't misunderstand,” he said softly, learning to whisper in her ear. ”You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen but I cannot kiss you or I will smear your makeup. And if I do kiss you, we will not make it to this engagement.”

She blushed at his words as he released her hand. ”Haribit,” he said, ”Will you care for Julen tonight? All seven courses of our meal will be delivered to your rooms including the deserts. Don't eat too much, boy, or you'll get a stomachache.”

Julen smiled wide, shaking in his excitement.

Haribit smiled and beckoned for Julen to come to her.

”And you, beast, you'll be with us,” Arren said causally.”Tell him to behave and stay off of the table, Isilla.”

”Be good tonight,” she said to Ilun.

He wagged the many tails that sprouted from his backside as Isilla turned back to Arren, questioning him.

”Very few people will wish to waste time at at our table with him standing guard. Besides, you feel better when he is with you. As long as he behaves, there is no reason he should wait here. Many women of the court bring their pets to official functions. Why should you be any different?”

She smiled and he took her hand. As her eyes closed, the air shifted around them.

She opened them a moment later. They stood before a large door manned by two attendants in formal dress. Arren raised his hand, beckoning them to wait.

”This night will be longer than I wish but it will only last a few hours. We will leave shortly after dessert. One dance because it is required and because that is all the wait I can handle.”

She smiled softly at him, which he returned before closing his eyes. When they opened. They were cold and hard but around them both, every trace of his shadows was gone, as they had been over the tea.

This is hard for him, she thought even as he took her arm and moved forward. Is this why he doesn't attend these functions?

The attendants bowed, opening the doors. Inside another waited. ”Announcing Prince Arren and Princess Isilla!” the man said in a booming voice.

A hush fell over the room, the musicians stopped playing, Isilla could feel everyone's eyes on them as Arren led her forward. At the head of the room sat a table. King Ero and Prince Lehan to one side and the Grand Avatar and Prince Argia on the other, two empty chairs between them. On one side, Arren's family, on the other, hers.Arren stopped before the table and bowed his head to his father, Isilla following suit.

Shadows spilled from the man, down to her feet drowning the soft glow of both her brother and the Grand Avatar. There is not enough Light for them here, she thought. Or maybe, she considered, now that I am here there is?

Unsure either way she smiled at them before Arren led her to their seats.

She glanced at Lehan, his arm in a sling but otherwise he seemed fine. Ilun wrapped himself around her chair, as he had done the garden, a low growl coming from his throat as eyes appeared on his form, all pointed at Lehan.

”Be still,” Isilla said to him and the sound stopped.

Lehan frowned and would not meet her eyes. She exhaled and turned back to the table.

”The guests of honor have arrived. Please, enjoy tonight's festivities,” Ero said, his voice carrying throughout the room. The gathered crowd clapped and found their seats as the first course was served.

It was much the same as Arren had described to her. Plates of food were brought out which she nibbled at. In between entertainment, jesters and poets, there were Lords and Ladies who came to present gifts to them. Bolts of cloth, fine jewels, paintings and other various items. Isilla smiled and bowed her thanks at every one while Arren waved them away. He showed his interest only in a blue colored feather, proof of a hawk that had been brought as a gift.